Victorian Tea and Quilts in Stamford

From The Stamford Historical Society:

A Victorian Tea will be held at the Stamford Historical Society on Sunday, November 6th from 1:30 – 4 pm. Guests will have the opportunity to view the Society’s current exhibit prior to the serving of tea. This year’s speaker, Alison Castenada, will give a presentation on “New England Quilts and Coverlets.” The Stamford Historical Society has a quilt and coverlet collection which includes fine examples from the early 19th century to late 20th century in a variety of designs and styles. On display will be examples of some patterned quilts and a trapunto coverlet. The current exhibit, celebrating Stamford at 375, also includes an additional circa 1850 quilt and three woven 19th century coverlets.

The Victorian Tea itself will be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Enjoy beautifully arranged sandwiches and baked goods along with steaming, fragrant tea served in an elegant tea cup. Tickets are $20 each for members, $25 for the general public. Send your check and contact information to the Stamford Historical Society, 1508 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06903. Tickets can be purchased through the website, stamfordhistory.org. Questions may be addressed to ###a>info@stamfordhistory.org or

Featured speaker Alison Castendara is emplyed by the Textile Conservation Workshop (TCW) in South Salem, New York. TCW is a not-for-profit Labratory that acts as a conservation resource for museums, historic agencies and individuals. Ms. Castaneda holds an M. A. in Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, and Museum Practice from FIT, NY.

The Stamford Historical Society’s newest exhibit, Stamford at 375, reflects Stamford’s rich and varied history from the pre-colonial period and subsequent early settlement through the progression of farming, manufacturing, urbanization and eventual commercial focus of the present day. “In telling the story of the city,” says Textile Coordinator Jennifer Hawthorne, “we decided that rather than a narrative of facts, events, and figures, it would be more interesting to explore the changes in the city through artifacts and images through time. Some of these are rare and significant, such as a vest worn by a general and hero of the American Revolution, but some are as simple as a well-worn pair of work boots used to the last piece of leather.”

All of the items on display in Stamford at 375 highlight a world of the wealthy and the workers, and all comprise the mosaic that has made Stamford what it is today. “There is something for everyone in the exhibit,” says Executive Director Thomas Zoubek, “and our hope is that people connect with items that remind them of their own experiences as citizens of Stamford.”

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay